Anthony Mackie’s2024 post-apocalyptic thriller has found renewed success as it rises up the Prime Video streaming charts. Known for his iconic role asSam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mackie’s success has only grown in recent years as he’staken over the mantle of Captain America from Chris EvansinCaptain America: Brave New World.
While many will know Mackie for his work in the superhero genre, this is just one of his many talents, as he’s taken on historical roles like Tupac Shakur inNotoriousand Martin Luther King Jr. inAll the Way. With plenty of underrated, hidden gems,one recent Mackie release is now gaining a second lease of life on streaming.
Elevation Has Become A Streaming Hit
Elevation Is Number 3 On Prime Video’s Global Charts
Recent figures show thatElevationhas become a streaming hit, as viewers are tuning in to check out this underappreciated post-apocalyptic story on Prime Video. Set three years after mysterious apex predators emerged from sinkholes underground, these fearsome creatures known as Reapers obliterated 95% of humanity in the first month.
With Anthony Mackie as a survivor named Will, the last remnants of humanity have realized that they are safe from the creatures if they remain at least 8,000 feet above sea level. However, when Will’s son requires life-saving supplies to combat lung disease, he’s forced to venture below and face the Reapers to save his loved one’s life.
Elevationwas directed by George Nolfi, the filmmaker behindThe Adjustment Bureau(2011),Birth of the Dragon(2016), andThe Banker(2020).
WhileElevationonly received mixed reviews at the time, its mixture of emotional storytelling and stunning scenery has caught Prime Video viewers' attention. AlthoughElevationfell victim to the clichés of genre trapping of other sci-fi thrillers, Mackie’s strong performance and the poignant characterization of these characters' struggles help it stand out as a grounded story bursting with humanity.
Our Take On Elevation’s Streaming Success
Elevation Didn’t Get Enough Attention At The Time
With a reported budget of $18 million,Elevation’sbox office takings of just $3.6 million(viaBox Office Mojo) showcase it as an unfortunate bomb. Despite these financial failures,Elevationwas a solid thriller that didn’t deserve to be so swiftly forgotten by viewers at large, meaning its belated success on streaming is a second chance for it to redeem its legacy.
Mackie has revealed himself to be a capable star over the past 20 years, and, in his role as Will, was able to elevate the generic aspects of this sci-fi into something poignant. While most will think of Mackie’s blockbuster hits with the MCU, it’s in more subtle roles likeElevationthat his true dramatic talents really reveal themselves.
